The Meskwaki Museum and Cultural Center recently implemented new viewing stations, where people interested in Meskwaki history can browse thousands of photographs and documents.
Steven Kapayou began scanning archival material in April of 2021, collecting a long series of images, documents, postcards, and film negatives pertinent to Meskwaki history. His work is now on full display on the computers in the Meskwaki Museum and Cultural Center. His last count placed the total number of scanned photographs and documents around 25,000. Steven says, “there are many more to come.”
Within the tens of thousands of piled historical materials, Steven Kapayou was able to find personal reminders that brought him closer to his family. He said, “Some of my favorite documents would be images of my grandfathers and the documents from the time because I get the chance to learn more about the tribe during their time.” Now that Steven’s work is public, we hope many Meskwaki can find the same connection to their loved ones from thousands of uncovered photographs and documents.
For those interested in looking through the Meskwaki Museum and Cultural Center’s archive, the instructions are simple. Upon entering the museum, turn to your right to see three computer stations. The computers will be open from 9AM to 3PM Monday through Friday. Sign in on the sign-in sheet, find an open computer, and begin exploring thousands of pieces of Meskwaki history. Steven explains: “To navigate the archive, all you need is the mouse. Double click on the folders of what you want to view. When you are done viewing, you will use the back icon to go to another folder. I will be here to assist if needed.”
The project started not with photographs, but conversations—a lot of them. Steven notes the origin of the idea: “Mary Young Bear and I talked one day. She asked if we could make it so people could view all these images. From there, I ran the idea by Johnathan Buffalo, and he said that it was a good idea. So I talked on and off with Johnathan, Mary, and IT about this project. After long term talks with Jennifer from IT, we got an idea of the software the department would need to purchase.”
After three years of scanning archival footage, discussing logistical details of a display, and creating viewing stations, over 25,000 photographs and documents are now available and easy to access. We encourage readers to stop by the Meskwaki Museum and Cultural Center. All are sure to find something meaningful; an interesting way Meskwaki organized hundreds of years ago, a reminder of days past, and/or a small piece of someone we loved.
